I stepped in from the Bagger porch just for a minute. The OL wants me to buy her a bike. She sits on every bike in the dealer and decides she only likes the way a deluxe feels when she sits on it. So I figure, it must be her being quirky but sure enough it does seem to feel fairly different in comfort from the Fatboy and Heritage.

So now back to being the bagger guy who has to pay for this.

Is there a way to make a heritage feel like a deluxe? What is different between the two, bars, seat, or something else.

It just seems less expensive to get her a heritage, than buy a deluxe and add bags, windshield, pillion, etc.

Help a recession stricken bagger guy help the economy!

 

The combination of the pullback risers, the contoured seat that pushes you forward, and the lowest seat height available stock is what probably appeals to your wife's preference for the deluxe. It's definitely setup for the shorter rider.

I'd say get the Deluxe...will probably cost you just as much to convert the Heritage than to get the deluxe and add the bags, windshield, etc. IMO the Deluxe looks better anyway...but I guess I am a little partial to the Deluxe!

 

I believe that the differences that make the Deluxe feel different are the seat, floorboards and bars / risers and shock lenght (ride height) Otherwise the Deluxe is the same as the Fatboy or Heritage

 

I tend to agree with my Deluxe riding buds who posted before me...By the time you change a Heritage to make it feel like a Deluxe, you'll probably be in the same boat of throwing cash overboard and the Deluxe does look better ;-)

So basically you got two options:

Heritage: Add- Reach Seat, Pull back risers and bars, lowered shocks
Deluxe: Add- Windshield, Sissy Bar, Upgraded Passenger Pillion, bags

You might save a little going the Heritage route but I'll let you do the math...The Harley big book has everything listed at retail. Don't forget there are lots of places online that offer free shipping and 20% off Harley parts. Also might be able to work something out with your dealer. Good luck keeping the OL happy :-)

 

That, and no matter what you do to it, I will bet you money that she'll always swear the Heritage "just doesn't feel quite right".

 

I have a Heritage and love it but have agree with everyone else. I am 5'7" and have to pull the handlebars way back to feel comfortable and my seat height is about 1/2" higher than the deluxe. By the time you get the handle bars pulled back and a lowering kit put in you could buy the deluxe and add the bags and windshield. Lastly your wife will see more ladies on the deluxe for whatever that is worth. Best to buy the right bike than try and modifiy the wrong one to fit.

 

Deluxe: Often imitated, never duplicated.

 

You can get a Heritage used pretty reasoable these days if you want used but if you're going new then just do it Deluxe.

 

LOL, but the Deluxe is an imitation of a HydraGlide!

 

My wife rides a Heritage and she like your wife said I got to have a deluxe it feels right. I bought her a Heritage she's been riding it for 2 years and never complained once and if you knew my wife (I will stop there) I just lowered the rear 1 1/4" this weekend and she said it feels better now she can put her feet flat with no effort like before. I also ride a heritage and sorry guys I think the heritage looks better. But opinions are like a** holes everyone has one. Well back to the subject at hand I would buy her the heritage.